Research Engineering​/Scientist Assistant

Research Engineering/ Scientist Assistant

Join to apply for the Research Engineering/ Scientist Assistant role at The University of Texas at Austin
.

• Hiring Department: Department of Marine Science
• Location: Port Aransas, TX
• Weekly Scheduled
  
  Hours:
  
  40
• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Earliest
  
  Start Date:
  
  Jan 19, 2026
• Position Duration: Expected to continue until Aug 31, 2026
• Location: Port Aransas, TX
• Salary: $35,000+ (depending on qualifications)

This position will work with the Dunton and Erdner labs to assist with field and experimental studies associated with seagrass, marsh, and algal systems. The purpose of this role is to assist the lab with duties that include sample processing and inventory, data management, and instrument maintenance.

• Field sampling of coastal waters from shore, by small boat, and on oceanographic cruises, including emergent and submergent vegetation along the entire Texas coast and other wetland sites as assigned.
• Assist with in situ photosynthetic incubations.
• Process plant and sediment cores for organic matter content, moisture, dissolved pore water components, nutrients, chlorophyll, TSS, CHN, isotopic analysis, sediment grain size, and algal epiphyte enumeration and identification.
• Computer data entry, data QA/QC, and basic preliminary data analysis.
• Assist with additional research duties such as sieving and sorting biological material, instrumentation deployment, and K‑12 outreach activities.
• Laboratory work including DNA extractions, PCR, and preparation of samples for sequencing.

• Bachelor's degree in marine, biological, or environmental sciences or a closely related field.
• General knowledge of local habitats, especially coastal waters and wetlands, and associated flora and ecosystem processes.
• Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with gas analysis (methane, oxygen) and in situ photosynthesis.
• Basic hiking and swimming ability.
• Experience with DNA extraction from environmental samples and preparing samples for sequencing, including PCR amplification and reaction cleanup.
• Knowledge of DNA sequence analysis using specialized software such as Geneious.

• Experience with vegetation identification and field sampling methodology.
• Boat operating skills and comfort in aquatic habitats (wetlands and open water).
• Experience with sediment/water biogeochemistry and plant ecophysiology analyses.
• Experience with K‑8 outreach.
• Shipboard experience on research vessels on science cruises (> 7 days).

This job requires a Class C driver’s license and a current three‑year driving record from the applicant’s state of residence. Employees required to hold a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing per university policy.

• May work in all weather conditions.
• Will work in estuarine waters (12–35°C) at 1–3 m depths.
• Potential exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals, electrical and mechanical hazards, and muddy coastal wetlands.
• Manual dexterity and climbing stairs required; use of keyboard at a workstation regularly.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references (at least one supervisor)
• Letter of interest

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.